Helwig Announced as New Voice of Muckdogs, New Cap Logo Revealed

Andy Helwig has been named as the new voice of the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League).  Helwig is a Canisius College and Canisius High School graduate and will be interning this summer with the Muckdogs after spending last summer interning with the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A, International League), where he hosted a postgame show on ESPN1520 AM.  Read more here.  Meanwhile, as promised by new GM Dave Chase in April, the Muckdogs have a new “B” logo cap.

Batavia’s New GM Scrambles to Ramp Up for Season, Shocked by Condition of Dwyer

It has occurred to Dave Chase that when he agreed to become the new general manager of the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A) after the New York-Penn League took over ownership of the venerable franchise, the situation at Dwyer Stadium is much worse than he anticipated.  Read more here.

Muckdogs Hire Seasoned Leader to Run Team

41-year baseball-industry veteran Dave Chase has been named the new general manager of the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League), and a press conference could be held as soon as Monday afternoon to announce his position.  Read more here.  Read about the Dwyer Stadium lease transfer here.

GCBC Issues Statement on Muckdogs

Genessee County Baseball Club (GCBC), the nonprofit that has owned the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League, issued a statement last week announcing that the franchise has been transferred to the league.  Read statement here. If the NYPL Muckdogs do not return to Dwyer Stadium in 2018, expect the summer collegiate PGCBL and NYCBL to be all over it.

Red Wings Will Not Operate Muckdogs in 2018

The New York-Penn League has blocked a proposal for the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A, International League) to return to Batavia (NY) in 2018 as the operators of the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League).  Read more here.

Muckdogs Expect to be Back

Considering the time required for any relocation, it is expected the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League) will be back at Dwyer Stadium for at least one more season.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Batavia’s Baseball Past, Future

Byron-Bergen varsity girls basketball coach Rick Krzewinski takes a look at the history of minor-league ball in Batavia (NY) and the prospects for a replacement team when the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League) finally depart for more lucrative pastures.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Sale of Muckdogs Mucked Up

Naomi Silver, chief executive and chief operating officer of the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A, International League), said the sale of the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League) fell through because the prospective ownership group was not granted permission from teams and leagues that have territorial rights in Waldorf (MD).  Read more here.

Muckdogs to Waldorf: Not So Fast?

Initial reports about the latest rumor said a minority-led group purchased the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League) and wants it to move to Waldorf (MD).  And that’s where a sort of spider web of overlapping baseball intrigue begins to occur for the potential move.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Amid Rumors, Muckdogs Operator Issues Statement

Addressing rumors that the Batavia Muckdogs (Single-A, New York-Penn League) have been sold and could be moving to Waldorf (MD), the team’s operator issued the following statement:

Baseball America Discusses Possible NY-Penn League Move to Camden (NJ)

The independent Atlantic League’s plans to move one of its teams to recently vacated New Britain (CT) might also signal a shift in the short-season New York-Penn League.  Read more here.

Muckdogs Still For Sale

There is really nothing new here, but the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League) will still be operated by the owner of the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (International League) during the 2015 season, and the team is still for sale.  As you recall, even though the operator is eating annual financial losses, they will profit handsomely when the Muckdogs are eventually sold based on a deal struck in 2008.  Read more here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Dwyer Stadium (Batavia, NY)

MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill recently visited Dwyer Stadium, home of the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League).  Read more and view photos here.

Rochester Loses $48K with Batavia Under Its Wings

The Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (International League) made $95,000 from their own operations and allowing the Empire State Yankees (now Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders) play 40 games at Frontier Field in 2012.  But the Wings lost $143,000 operating the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League), for a net loss of $48,000.  On a positive note, the Wing are sitting on

Baseball America: Deal for B-Mets in the Works

Baseball America is reporting that sources are saying that the Double-A Binghamton Mets are indeed the team targeted for Ottawa, and that inquiries have been made to bring the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League) to NYSEG Stadium to replace them.  There is hope a deal can completed during the Winter Meetings, with the sale of the franchise closing by the end of the year.  Read more here.

Muckdogs, Marlins Sign PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Batavia Muckdogs and Miami Marlins today announced the signing of a new two-year Player Development Contract through at least the 2014 New York-Penn League season. A joint announcement was made by Marlins Farm Director Brian Chattin and Brian Paris, President of the Genesee County Baseball

Cardinals Renew PDC With Redbirds, Ditch River Bandits and Muckdogs

The St. Louis Cardinals have extended their player development contract (PDC) with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds (Pacific Coast League) through 2014.  The Cardinals are also expected to announce that they will not be renewing their PDC’s with the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League) and Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League).  Read more here.

B-Mets Vehemently Deny Reports of Sale, Relocation

Michael Urda, president of the Double-A Binghamton Mets (Eastern League) has angrily denied reports that the team has been sold or contacted by anyone interested in the club.  Rumor has it that the B-Mets are headed to Ottawa, and that the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League) would move to Binghamton.  Below is an interesting tidbit from the Press & Sun-Bulletin Friday that

All About the Off-Season in Rochester

Staff writer Jim Mandelero from the Democrat and Chronicle takes a look at the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (International League) behind the scenes as the off-season begins.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Batavia Muckdogs Will Live Again in 2012…Maybe

The Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (International League) have announced that they will be back to operate the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League) in 2012, unless the team is sold.  Keep in mind that the Red Wings have an interest in seeing a sale here at some point, as they’ll receive a hefty piece of the action.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Muckdogs Announce 2011 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have released their 2011 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, theme nights, and daily promotions.

Ballpark Lease Extension Approved for Muckdogs

The Batavia (NY) City Council has approved a lease extension for the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs to continue using Dwyer Stadium.  As you recall, the Muckdogs were on the verge of extinction, until the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings agreed to operate the Muckdogs for one more season.  The 2011 season could very well be the end of the Muckdogs before the team is sold and relocated to greener pastures.

Muckdogs Safe for Now, Red Wings Again at the Helm

PRESS RELEASE – Rochester Community Baseball announced today that it would continue operating the Batavia Muckdogs in the 2011 baseball season.

Sparring Over Ballpark Funding in Batavia

The Batavia (NY) City Council continues to debate funding for Dwyer Stadium, home of the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs.  The concerns range from general maintenance to improvements that might be needed to keep the Muckdogs in town, or attract a new team should the ‘Dogs leave.  Read more here.

Red Wings Now Expected to Return to Helm in Batavia

A change of heart?  Better terms?  Whatever the case, it appears that the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings will return for one more season to operate the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs.  The franchise, however, is still for sale.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the article.

Muckdogs, Cardinals Extend PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Batavia Muckdogs and St. Louis Cardinals today announced a two-year extension of their working relationship through the 2012 season. A joint announcement was made by Cardinals Assistant General Manager John Abbamondi, Cardinals Director of Minor League Operations John Vuch, and Brian Paris

NYPL President Paints Bleak Picture for Small Markets, Batavia

New York-Penn League President Ben Hayes didn’t provide much hope for the Batavia Muckdogs when he commented on the future of baseball in small markets like Batavia, Jamestown, and Auburn. According to Hayes, the biggest challenges in these small markets are deficient corporate support, poor attendance, and aging facilities.  Really?  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the article.

Batavia Muckdogs For Sale

The Single-A Batavia (NY) Muckdogs are officially on the block.  As previously reported, the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings will soon be pulling the plug on operating the franchise for the Genesee County Baseball Club (GCBC).  As a result, GCBC has decided to unload the team.  Now, cry for Batavia, but don’t cry for the Red Wings

A Video Profile on the Doubledays and Jammers

Alanna Stage from The Daily News in Batavia (NY) compares the small market Auburn Doubledays and Jamestown Jammers to the at-risk Batavia Muckdogs in a YouTube video.  View video here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the lead.

Dark Days Ahead for Baseball in Batavia

The future is looking mightly bleak for fans of the Single-A Batavia (NY) Muckdogs.  Three years ago, the Triple-A Rochester (NY) Red Wings stepped in to operate the struggling franchise, but it looks like the rescue mission has run its course.  The Red Wings will apparently not be back.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the article, which also mentions the uncertain future facing the California League’s Bakersfield Blaze and High Desert Mavericks.

A Brief Profile on the Muckdogs: An Endangered Species

Local columnist Bill Pucko takes a look at the Batavia (NY) Muckdogs and states that the days for the long-time franchise are numbered with attendance figures averaging around 1,000.   Pucko would be correct.  The sad reality is that the ‘Dogs will someday be on their way to greener pastures (a fancy new ballpark in a bigger market).  Until then, the locals should savor every moment.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Muckdogs Announce 2010 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, has released its 2010 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, theme nights, and daily promotions.

Oneonta to Norwich Rumors Reach Market

Rumors about a possible move of the the New York-Penn League’s Oneonta Tigers to Norwich, CT have stirred up the local market.  With a bottom of the barrel per game average attendance of 691 and a ranking of #264 on our annual attendance Mega-Rankings, a move would be no surprise. 

Red Wings, Muckdogs Finish in the Red

Rochester Community Baseball lost $167,844 running both the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings and the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs. The teams did not contribute equally to the deficit however.